Our Company Blog

We Offer Chim-Scan Video Inspections

There could be damage that could lead to safety hazards hiding within your chimney! This is one of the reasons why an annual chimney inspection is so important. Even with thorough inspections, sometimes there are areas that can be impossible to see clearly enough to locate damage and deterioration.

To get an up-close look at every inch of your chimney, we use the Chim-Scan Closed Circuit Internal Evaluation System. This technology allows us to easily spot cracks and blockages. Also, anything that could lead to a chimney fire, or a carbon monoxide leak. We would like to tell you more about this helpful technological tool. This way you can understand exactly why we so highly recommend including this service with your annual chimney inspection.

What is the Chim-Scan Closed Circuit Internal Evaluation System?

Also known as video scanners, the Chim-Scan Closed Circuit Internal Evaluation System was developed to record images of the inside of chimneys. In addition, it documents the condition of the flue, and locates hidden damage and defects. This tool can also be used to verify the cleanliness of the chimney after it has been swept. This ensures your chimney is ready to safely and efficiently vent the combustion exhaust out of your home. Chim-Scan can be used with both masonry and prefabricated chimneys.  Also, it’s extremely helpful in assessing the condition of the inside of chimneys after a natural disaster.

What are the advantages of having a Chim-Scan video inspection?

One of our favorite things about this technology is that it allows you to see the condition of your chimney’s interior as we scan the chimney. We welcome our customers to watch the TV monitor with us as we insert the camera to scan the entire flue. If we find any damage, we will provide you with the images of the problem. This can be essential if you need to file a claim with your home insurance company after a natural disaster or chimney fire. Atlas Chimney highly recommends this service to verify the cleanliness and operational readiness of your chimney. Plus, to find the areas that are in need of repair, and to determine the cause and origin of chimney damage.

How do I know if I need this type of chimney inspection?

Atlas Chimney provides all three levels of chimney inspections. These were established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to provide standards to the chimney industry. Your situation determines which level of inspection your chimney should receive. We can recommend the right level for your chimney. While we do not include a Chim-Scan video inspection with the basic Level 1 inspection, we do with every Level 2 and Level 3 inspections we perform.

You will need a Level 2 inspection if:

• You have updated your heating appliance, are buying or selling a home, are having your flue relined, or experienced a chimney fire.

The most extensive and invasive inspection is the Level 3:

• In addition to Level 1 and Level 2 inspections, there is Level 3. This level is recommended if the problem is still unable to be solved . Consequently, this level may involve the demolition of the structure of your chimney. However, we will always discuss the reasons why it is needed before we begin this inspection.

Ensure your chimney is free from damage, blockages, or other problems this winter. Contact us at Atlas Chimney to learn more about our Chim-Scan video inspection services!

Why Chimney Relining Is So Important

One of the most essential components of your chimney system is it’s liner. It needs to be in good condition so that your fireplace and chimney work safely and efficiently. Although most chimney liners are built to last for years, damage can occur over time. Cracks, gaps, and corrosion to the liner can allow toxic combustion gases like carbon monoxide to enter your living space. Since the liner is located inside your chimney, it can be difficult to know its condition.

In order to determine what kind of shape your liner is in, you need to have your chimney inspected by experienced professionals. Atlas Chimney is proud to provide comprehensive chimney services. These services include both professional inspections and relining services to the residents of the Austin area. We offer different chimney relining options like HeatShield repair and restoration and stainless steel liner installations. After we inspect your chimney, we can recommend the best way to reline your chimney to ensure your system functions effectively and safely. Because safety is our top priority, we would like to tell you exactly why chimney relining is so important.

Your chimney liner protects your home from the risk of an accidental fire.

One of the functions of a chimney liner is to protect the wood around your chimney. It shields it from the extremely high temperatures that are produced by your fireplace. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the National Bureau of Standards tested the safety of masonry chimneys. Their findings? Unlined chimneys were extremely dangerous, because heat moved so quickly through the chimneys that any adjacent wooden parts caught fire. Sometimes in as little as three and a half hours! Your chimney liner keeps the combustible parts of your home safe from this heat transfer.

Your chimney liner protects the bricks and mortar of your chimney from corrosion damage.

Some of the byproducts of combustion are toxic and corrosive. When they are able to seep directly into the masonry materials of a chimney, erosion occurs. Without the protection of a liner, combustion gases will eat away at the bricks and mortar of your chimney. This can lead to a hazardous situation as the cracks and gaps created by the erosion can allow poisonous combustion gases like carbon monoxide to leak into your home.

Your chimney liner provides a properly sized flue for your specific heating appliance.

A popular option to increase the heating efficiency of your home? Install a wood-burning or gas fireplace insert into the existing opening of your older masonry fireplace. However, masonry chimneys are typically much larger than these inserts, and this size difference can cause performance and safety issues. To solve this sizing difference, Atlas Chimney can install a new stainless steel liner to provide a flue that correctly matches the size of the new heating appliance.

Make sure your chimney liner is in good condition so that you can enjoy safe, warm, and efficient fires this year. Contact us at Atlas Chimney to schedule an appointment for a chimney inspection before the arrival of winter.